How to Shop for the Perfect Jumpsuit

Fashion trends come and go, but one of my favorite summer trends in the jumpsuit. Summer style is all about simplicity and comfort. Jumpsuits and rompers are probably one of the most effortless styles to wear, it’s a one and done piece that creates a pulled together look that’s easy and versatile. Perfect for those days (and nights) when you crave the comfort of pants but don’t have the energy to fuss about a full ensemble, there’s nothing better than a jumpsuit.

Jumpsuits are also a great alternative to dresses. It’s such a flattering piece and recently my go-to for an evening event or drinks with friends. Chic and easy to style, whenever I’m undecided and in a rush I find myself throwing one on last minute. It really does make a great go-to staple wardrobe item.

This striped blue jumpsuit I’m wearing today is the newest addition to my growing jumpsuit collection. It’s a pretty little number that’s perfect for summer and features two of my current favorite trends: the off-shoulder-top and the wide leg pant. The wide legs are super leek and yet ultra comfy for the warmer summer days, while the off-the-shoulder top adds a more playful touch that different than some of my typical jumpsuits.

What To Look For When Buying A Jumpsuit

Despite being so easy to wear, sometimes it’s hard to find a jumpsuit that’s right for your body. Striking the right balance in style and fit is a tricky one, but when you get it right, it’s so right! Here are 3 basic things I always look at when I’m considering a jumpsuit:

1. The Sleeves

Your choice of sleeves will determine what style of jumpsuit you’re going for. Are you going for a beachy look or a more dressed up look? And where are you wearing it, a leisurely day outdoors, or will you be sitting in an air-conditioned office all day? It’s a question of both vibe and environment and there are four ways you can typically go.

The Sleeveless Jumpsuit

The most common type of jumpsuit and what we generally gravitate towards in the summer months, is the sleeveless jumpsuit. Here’s a good little tidbit for you: the width of the strap then affects how dressy the suit looks. A thin spaghetti is more laid-back-casual, while a wide sturdier shoulder feels more sophisticated and refined.

The Short-Sleeved Jumpsuit

For those who prefer a more put-together vibe, a short sleeved jumpsuit style that covers the shoulders and the upper part of the arm should be the way to go. Whoever said you couldn’t wear jumpsuits to the work was seriously mistaken.

The Long-Sleeved Jumpsuit

Considered this the long sleeved jumpsuit an all-season style. Sheer, lightweight, open sleeves are breezy with sandals on a summer’s night and just covered enough with your go-to ankle boots in the autumn.

The Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit

A sweet off-the-shoulder neckline, works best for late spring and summertime, when you can expose the collarbone and shoulders without worrying about getting a chill. This is one of my favorite looks, where the covered-up look draws attention to the bare skin up top, showing off those your pretty front clavicles and sexy shoulders.

2. The Waist 

Where your jumpsuit cinches at the waist can make or break this one-piece.  This is especially important,  since your jumpsuit is essentially a continuous piece of fabric with a tuck in the torso area to define the figure.

The Low Waist

A low waistline is great for those with longer torsos, or those who want to lengthen the appearance of the trunk since the shirt portion of the one-piece extends a bit more.

The High Waist

A high waistline has the opposite effect of a low waistline, defining the torso higher than the natural waistline and lengthening the legs. Whether you have a shorter torso or simply want to play with proportion, this style is across-the-board flattering.

The Tie-Waist

A belt-like detail that’s fully adjustable not only improves fit, but also allows you to be a little more playful. You can tighten or loosen for comfort. You can knot as simply or as fancifully as you please — heck, you can put a bow on it. It’s the epitome of fashion and function.

3. The Legs

The trouser portion is probably the first thing you notice when you’re buying a jumpsuit. Before, the standard was a slightly fitted straight leg, but now, every type of bottom is represented in the one-piece spectrum. You can find short jumpsuits (otherwise known as rompers), along with cropped and wide-leg styles that accommodate a broad range of personal tastes and body types. And with the rising popularity of culottes, even they are making an appearance in jumpsuits.

Straight

When you want that classic that top-and-trouser look, rolled into one convenient item the straight leg is the way to go. Fit is key here, it can’t be so tight that you lose mobility or so loose that your figure gets drowned under all the excess fabric.

Short

When the weather gets warm, that’s where the romper comes out to play. In late spring and summer, we chop off the ankle-skimming trouser legs in favor of knee-baring shorts suits.

Wide

Flared and wide-legged pants are creeping in and slowly becoming the norm.  The comfort of the extra leg room creates a sleek look while being ultra comfy. This silhouette can be intimidating, but a pair of wedges will make your legs look a mile long.

Culotte

Yes, the current trouser du jour, the culotte, can now be found in jumpsuits. Going wide is intimidating, but finding the right one that cuts right round the knee, so the entire calf is revealed will give the right proportion. This is definitely another look that’s big on both comfort and style.

Outfit Details:

Jumpsuit: Cotton Off-The-Shoulder Wide-Leg Jumpsuit from Max Studio London
Shoes: Strappy Espadrille Wedges from B2 (similar here)
Hat: Panama hat from Ole Curiosidades (similar here)
Accessories: jade bangle (similar here)
Watch: Originals by Timex (last seen here)

Have a favorite jumpsuit in your wordrobe or summer style you’re shopping for?
Let me know in the comments below!

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XOXO,